Volunteers sign up for Speed Watch scheme to help discourage speeding drivers

EAST Dorset residents have been signing up to the Community Speed Watch scheme.

The initiative, which gives locals the opportunity to get involved in road safety, now runs in Alderholt, Holt and Gaunts Common.

Another is currently being set up in Sixpenny Handley.

Speed watch operates in villages, towns or urban areas across Dorset to discourage drivers and motorcyclists from speeding, and the groups are run by volunteers from the area.

Participants use hand-held devices to record and monitor details of motorists seen speeding, and can also note drivers using a mobile phone or not wearing seatbelts. The drivers are then sent a letter by the police.

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PCSO Louise Hamilton, of the East Dorset Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are delighted that so many residents in rural East Dorset have signed up to the scheme and are keen to hear from anyone else wishing to take part.”

For more information about the scheme, visit Dorset.police.uk or call 101.

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Comments (16)

Volunteers sign up for Speed Watch scheme to help discourage speeding drivers

suzigirl says...11:38am Tue 18 Feb 14

That is wrong on so many levels - that is worse than a curtain twitcher!

That is wrong on so many levels - that is worse than a curtain twitcher!suzigirl

That is wrong on so many levels - that is worse than a curtain twitcher!

Score: 20

skydriver says...11:41am Tue 18 Feb 14

Are these hand held DIY kits calibrated ? I doubt it very much, what on earth are the police doing, surely this is their job.what will it be next , volunteers driving police patrol cars, what have this country become?

Are these hand held DIY kits calibrated ? I doubt it very much, what on earth are the police doing, surely this is their job.what will it be next , volunteers driving police patrol cars, what have this country become?skydriver

Are these hand held DIY kits calibrated ? I doubt it very much, what on earth are the police doing, surely this is their job.what will it be next , volunteers driving police patrol cars, what have this country become?

Score: 19

suzigirl says...11:43am Tue 18 Feb 14

skydriver wrote…

Are these hand held DIY kits calibrated ? I doubt it very much, what on earth are the police doing, surely this is their job.what will it be next , volunteers driving police patrol cars, what have this country become?

I just wonder what speed those machines go up to LOL!

[quote][p][bold]skydriver[/bold] wrote:
Are these hand held DIY kits calibrated ? I doubt it very much, what on earth are the police doing, surely this is their job.what will it be next , volunteers driving police patrol cars, what have this country become?[/p][/quote]I just wonder what speed those machines go up to LOL!suzigirl

skydriver wrote…

Are these hand held DIY kits calibrated ? I doubt it very much, what on earth are the police doing, surely this is their job.what will it be next , volunteers driving police patrol cars, what have this country become?

I just wonder what speed those machines go up to LOL!

Score: 4

muscliffman says...11:55am Tue 18 Feb 14

What personal qualities or qualifications do you need to 'volunteer' for this sort of public snooping thing - because those which come to mind are not very pleasant ones!

What personal qualities or qualifications do you need to 'volunteer' for this sort of public snooping thing - because those which come to mind are not very pleasant ones!muscliffman

What personal qualities or qualifications do you need to 'volunteer' for this sort of public snooping thing - because those which come to mind are not very pleasant ones!

Score: 14

we-shall-see says...12:01pm Tue 18 Feb 14

Snooping on your neighbours and "dobbing them in" to the authorities was a national past-time in 1930's Germany and look where "that" ended up :o/

Snooping on your neighbours and "dobbing them in" to the authorities was a national past-time in 1930's Germany and look where "that" ended up :o/we-shall-see

Snooping on your neighbours and "dobbing them in" to the authorities was a national past-time in 1930's Germany and look where "that" ended up :o/

Score: 20

rayc says...12:19pm Tue 18 Feb 14

I wonder why these volunteers choose speed enforcement over other worthy causes in their community such as looking after old people or suchlike? It's been said that the majority of those 'caught' in these schemes are local people and that the volunteers soon become unpopular. In the event that a driver is accused of an offence the name of their accuser should be provided. I received a letter from Surrey Police saying my vehicle had been seen in a 'restricted' road. I had never ever been near the place and could prove my vehicle was elsewhere on that day. I never ever did get a satisfactory explanation from Surrey Police but it appears a volunteer either wrote the number down wrong or it was transferred to computer incorrectly.

I wonder why these volunteers choose speed enforcement over other worthy causes in their community such as looking after old people or suchlike?
It's been said that the majority of those 'caught' in these schemes are local people and that the volunteers soon become unpopular.
In the event that a driver is accused of an offence the name of their accuser should be provided. I received a letter from Surrey Police saying my vehicle had been seen in a 'restricted' road. I had never ever been near the place and could prove my vehicle was elsewhere on that day. I never ever did get a satisfactory explanation from Surrey Police but it appears a volunteer either wrote the number down wrong or it was transferred to computer incorrectly.rayc

I wonder why these volunteers choose speed enforcement over other worthy causes in their community such as looking after old people or suchlike? It's been said that the majority of those 'caught' in these schemes are local people and that the volunteers soon become unpopular. In the event that a driver is accused of an offence the name of their accuser should be provided. I received a letter from Surrey Police saying my vehicle had been seen in a 'restricted' road. I had never ever been near the place and could prove my vehicle was elsewhere on that day. I never ever did get a satisfactory explanation from Surrey Police but it appears a volunteer either wrote the number down wrong or it was transferred to computer incorrectly.

Score: 12

thevoiceofreason1 says...2:18pm Tue 18 Feb 14

only one word for these saddo's....pathetic, they think they actually make a difference amazing how misinformed these self important idiots are. personally i would feel inclined to drive faster just to give them something to gossip about.

only one word for these saddo's....pathetic, they think they actually make a difference amazing how misinformed these self important idiots are.
personally i would feel inclined to drive faster just to give them something to gossip about.thevoiceofreason1

only one word for these saddo's....pathetic, they think they actually make a difference amazing how misinformed these self important idiots are. personally i would feel inclined to drive faster just to give them something to gossip about.

Score: 16

thevoiceofreason1 says...2:20pm Tue 18 Feb 14

“We are delighted that so many residents in rural East Dorset have signed up to the scheme and are keen to hear from anyone else wishing to take part.” this saves us actually having to do our job and allows for longer tea breaks!

“We are delighted that so many residents in rural East Dorset have signed up to the scheme and are keen to hear from anyone else wishing to take part.”
this saves us actually having to do our job and allows for longer tea breaks!thevoiceofreason1

“We are delighted that so many residents in rural East Dorset have signed up to the scheme and are keen to hear from anyone else wishing to take part.” this saves us actually having to do our job and allows for longer tea breaks!

Score: 11

muscliffman says...3:26pm Tue 18 Feb 14

rayc wrote…

I wonder why these volunteers choose speed enforcement over other worthy causes in their community such as looking after old people or suchlike? It's been said that the majority of those 'caught' in these schemes are local people and that the volunteers soon become unpopular. In the event that a driver is accused of an offence the name of their accuser should be provided. I received a letter from Surrey Police saying my vehicle had been seen in a 'restricted' road. I had never ever been near the place and could prove my vehicle was elsewhere on that day. I never ever did get a satisfactory explanation from Surrey Police but it appears a volunteer either wrote the number down wrong or it was transferred to computer incorrectly.

And are you confident that this warning letter does not remain valid on your Police data file and could make all the difference in a future 'benefit of the doubt' situation?

[quote][p][bold]rayc[/bold] wrote:
I wonder why these volunteers choose speed enforcement over other worthy causes in their community such as looking after old people or suchlike?
It's been said that the majority of those 'caught' in these schemes are local people and that the volunteers soon become unpopular.
In the event that a driver is accused of an offence the name of their accuser should be provided. I received a letter from Surrey Police saying my vehicle had been seen in a 'restricted' road. I had never ever been near the place and could prove my vehicle was elsewhere on that day. I never ever did get a satisfactory explanation from Surrey Police but it appears a volunteer either wrote the number down wrong or it was transferred to computer incorrectly.[/p][/quote]And are you confident that this warning letter does not remain valid on your Police data file and could make all the difference in a future 'benefit of the doubt' situation?muscliffman

rayc wrote…

I wonder why these volunteers choose speed enforcement over other worthy causes in their community such as looking after old people or suchlike? It's been said that the majority of those 'caught' in these schemes are local people and that the volunteers soon become unpopular. In the event that a driver is accused of an offence the name of their accuser should be provided. I received a letter from Surrey Police saying my vehicle had been seen in a 'restricted' road. I had never ever been near the place and could prove my vehicle was elsewhere on that day. I never ever did get a satisfactory explanation from Surrey Police but it appears a volunteer either wrote the number down wrong or it was transferred to computer incorrectly.

And are you confident that this warning letter does not remain valid on your Police data file and could make all the difference in a future 'benefit of the doubt' situation?

Score: 4

blackdog1 says...3:38pm Tue 18 Feb 14

What a stupid idea! These people need to get a life! If there are speeding problems on these roads then the Police need to deal with it not silly busybodies with nothing better to do. If I got a warning letter from the police I would send it straight back to them as these people have no legal powers to warn me about driving offences etc! They could make a mistake for example or could be vindictive and then letters sent out by Police......what a joke!

What a stupid idea! These people need to get a life! If there are speeding problems on these roads then the Police need to deal with it not silly busybodies with nothing better to do. If I got a warning letter from the police I would send it straight back to them as these people have no legal powers to warn me about driving offences etc! They could make a mistake for example or could be vindictive and then letters sent out by Police......what a joke!blackdog1

What a stupid idea! These people need to get a life! If there are speeding problems on these roads then the Police need to deal with it not silly busybodies with nothing better to do. If I got a warning letter from the police I would send it straight back to them as these people have no legal powers to warn me about driving offences etc! They could make a mistake for example or could be vindictive and then letters sent out by Police......what a joke!

Score: 4

suzigirl says...4:53pm Tue 18 Feb 14

muscliffman wrote…

What personal qualities or qualifications do you need to 'volunteer' for this sort of public snooping thing - because those which come to mind are not very pleasant ones!

A few of my fellow commenters would make great "volunteers". You know who you are LOL!

[quote][p][bold]muscliffman[/bold] wrote:
What personal qualities or qualifications do you need to 'volunteer' for this sort of public snooping thing - because those which come to mind are not very pleasant ones![/p][/quote]A few of my fellow commenters would make great "volunteers". You know who you are LOL!suzigirl

muscliffman wrote…

What personal qualities or qualifications do you need to 'volunteer' for this sort of public snooping thing - because those which come to mind are not very pleasant ones!

A few of my fellow commenters would make great "volunteers". You know who you are LOL!

Score: 0

simcal says...5:19pm Tue 18 Feb 14

Self important busy bodies. They really need to get a life. I can see this ending in tears.

Self important busy bodies. They really need to get a life. I can see this ending in tears.simcal

Self important busy bodies. They really need to get a life. I can see this ending in tears.

Score: 3

Chris the plumber says...8:13pm Tue 18 Feb 14

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..Chris the plumber

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

Score: -2

simcal says...9:23pm Tue 18 Feb 14

Chris the plumber wrote…

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

I think with the shortage of police officers, I would prefer them to be dealing with robbers, drug dealers, rapists rather following up every complaint you make!

[quote][p][bold]Chris the plumber[/bold] wrote:
if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..[/p][/quote]I think with the shortage of police officers, I would prefer them to be dealing with robbers, drug dealers, rapists rather following up every complaint you make!simcal

Chris the plumber wrote…

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

I think with the shortage of police officers, I would prefer them to be dealing with robbers, drug dealers, rapists rather following up every complaint you make!

Score: 3

suzigirl says...4:44pm Thu 20 Feb 14

Chris the plumber wrote…

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

Have you nothing better to do with your time like knitting?

[quote][p][bold]Chris the plumber[/bold] wrote:
if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..[/p][/quote]Have you nothing better to do with your time like knitting?suzigirl

Chris the plumber wrote…

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

Have you nothing better to do with your time like knitting?

Score: 2

tbpoole says...7:32am Tue 25 Feb 14

simcal wrote…

Chris the plumber wrote…

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

I think with the shortage of police officers, I would prefer them to be dealing with robbers, drug dealers, rapists rather following up every complaint you make!

Except that many more people are injured or killed on the roads than by other forms of violence.

[quote][p][bold]simcal[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Chris the plumber[/bold] wrote:
if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..[/p][/quote]I think with the shortage of police officers, I would prefer them to be dealing with robbers, drug dealers, rapists rather following up every complaint you make![/p][/quote]Except that many more people are injured or killed on the roads than by other forms of violence.tbpoole

simcal wrote…

Chris the plumber wrote…

if I see anyone speeding I do report to the police........ motorcyclist and cars drive past my home in excess of 60mph and I am regularly over taken whilst doing 40 in a 40 limit and again I take index numbers and expect the police to " have a word" most of us would shop a drink driver and its time to take the same hard line with speeding..

I think with the shortage of police officers, I would prefer them to be dealing with robbers, drug dealers, rapists rather following up every complaint you make!

Except that many more people are injured or killed on the roads than by other forms of violence.

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